Give principle, method and application of sterilization using UV radiation.
Principle:
Direct sunlight can destroy the microorganism on account of its ultra-violet rays of longer wave length.
UV light of shorter wavelength kills or inactivates microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.
UV light of 265 nm wave length is lethal to microorganism.
Method:
UV rays for sterilization are produced by passing a low current at high voltage through mercury vapour in an evacuated glass tube.
Application:
Sterilization of air.
Sterilization of aseptic area.
Sterilization of thermolabile material.
Sterilization of surface of working table.